You may already be employed full-time, part-time, or on a contract basis by a company. However you could also make an extra income from under-the-table jobs.
You can earn extra money by doing a variety of gigs. This can be used to save, invest, or pay off debt.
Even if you don’t think you have any specific skills, people will still pay money for simple things to get help.
Here, I will cover all you need to learn about working under the desk. Are you ready to jump in? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What does “Under the Table Work” mean?
Top Jobs Under the Table
How to find Under the Table Jobs
What does “Under the Table Work” mean?
“Under the table jobs” is a phrase that not everyone knows.
If you’re unfamiliar with this term, it means that your income is strictly cash and not reported.
Instead of an official pay check, you will receive cash in exchange for the time spent. No taxes, no social security, no reporting.
These jobs are great for saving more money each month or putting extra money towards something. Many of these jobs don’t require any experience.
Does it violate the law to work at a table?
Some businesses will pay employees or contractors in cash. If you pay wages in cash, your business is still responsible for filing employment taxes.
IRS says that paying employees under-the-table is one of many types of tax noncompliance.
If you’re an employee or contractor who is paid under the counter, no taxes will be deducted from your pay. You should still file. Reporting those earnings and paying tax is important.
Many people accept cash under the table from side jobs and other work transactions. Cash is not reported. Both parties take a chance.
You decide what you want to do, but be aware of the possible penalties.
Most people who work for cash outside of a business setting will not report their cash earnings, and the IRS is unlikely to flag them. How you manage these cash transactions depends on you.
Top Jobs Under the Table
There is nothing wrong about under-the-table jobs. They are a good way to earn some extra income, and they may even help you in your career.
These gigs can also be full-time jobs or lucrative careers in the future. Technically, any income you receive must be reported in accordance with the previous section.
Here are the top under-the-table jobs that pay in cash instead of checks or direct deposits.
Even though these jobs are done “under the counter,” you are still technically a contractor, and all money you earn at the end should be recorded. You are responsible for what you do with the money you earn.
- Babysitting
Babysitting and being a nanny are the two most common types of jobs under the table. You can earn cash by watching their children for a short time.
It is not for everyone. Especially if you do not enjoy working with children or babies. If you enjoy this work, it can be quite lucrative for weekends or weeknights.
- House sitting
House sitting is another way to earn some money. There are no children involved, but you may be asked to house sit for families who have extended vacations, or travel for work.
House sitting involves checking the mail and watering plants. Easy money!
- Cleaning jobs
Although I enjoy being clean and tidy, I dislike cleaning. Many people hate cleaning or don’t have the time to do it themselves and will pay someone else to clean.
To get started, you don’t need to be a professional cleaner (although you may one day if you have a lot work). Cleaning can be simple like vacuuming, dusting and washing.
- Pet Sitter/Dog Walker
This may be a part of house sitting, but it could be a separate job that you do under the table.
Some people are too busy to care for their pets. It could also be when people are on vacation, as boarding pets in a kennel is expensive. This can be an excellent way to earn money if you are passionate about animals.
Some people may need you to take care of their pets and watch them, but others might just want you to walk the dog for a set number of times each week. You can use an app like Rover to find people in your locality who need dog walkers. But you can also find people from outside the area.
This is not a way to get rich fast, but it can add up. Sign-up for Rover for free!
- Pet Grooming
Pet grooming is another way to earn money. There are also many professionals that people prefer to use.
If you are good at simple tasks like bathing and trimming nails, you can find work.
Many people will pay you cash to do this for them.
- Landscaping/Yardwork
Professional landscapers can be expensive, even if they do beautiful work and help with large projects.
You can also handle this if you are working with people who do not require a lot of work.
You can help with gardening and weeding. Raking leaves is also a good idea.
- Snow removal/Shoveling
What else do people dislike? Snow removal or shoveling.
Some people may not like it. For example, the elderly or disabled might need assistance in clearing driveways and sidewalks.
You only need a snow blower or shovel to start. If you’re looking to do more aggressive snow clearing, you can attach a plow on the front of your truck and also take care local businesses.
- Farmers Market
Farmers markets are available in every town.
You’ll usually find them running most weekends, or at certain times during the year depending on what type of market you are in.
These are great places to get some help with setting up vendors, or selling items. You can also sell your stuff for cash at one of these markets. This includes homemade products, items you’ve grown, crafts, etc.
- Class Instructor
This means that you should have a skill people will pay to learn. Consider things like yoga, dance, karate or art classes.
There are some certified ones that will pay you more. It’s an easy way to earn money and share your knowledge with others.
- Handyman
Do you have a knack for fixing things? You can fix household appliances, electronics, computers and woodwork. If you are good at any of these things, people will pay you for your help.
This is especially true if they can save money on professional services that are usually expensive. You should not try to earn a few dollars by taking on a project you don’t know anything about. You do not want to begin with a bad experience.
- Tutoring
Do you excel in a certain subject? Many people are looking for assistance, especially their children, when it comes math, reading and writing.
It doesn’t have to be a core subject in school. It could be something as simple as gardening or cooking. Tutoring can be a good way to earn money under the counter if you are an expert and enjoy teaching others.
- Paint
Painting is probably the main task that most people hate. Painting can be time-consuming and not very enjoyable.
If you’re not bothered by it and you have some experience in this field, you could make some money doing this kind of work for others.
Painters can paint a house, fences or sheds.
- Photographs
The advancements in the cameras of our smartphones allow almost anyone to take great photos. It still takes some skill to edit and take good photos.
If you like photography and dabble with it, then there will always be a market. It could be family photos, maternity pictures, weddings or other events. Or it could be product images for businesses.
The market may be competitive but, if you persevere and showcase your talent, this could become a lucrative side hustle or even a full-time career.
To begin, you can start with some simple under-the-table photo work.
- Graphic Design
Are you a creative person? Do you have a good understanding of graphics and computer? You can earn money by creating graphics for others.
This is a full-time job for many people. However, if you’re just starting out, this can be a good way to experiment.
These services include everything from designing logos for websites to t-shirt designs and greeting cards. These services are worth a decent amount of money.
- Crafts for Sale
You can also sell your crafts to others for money if you are creative and have some crafting skills. Garage sales, art and craft shows, festivals, etc., are all possible.
There is a market out there for everything, whether it’s woodworking, clothing or art.
It takes more work because you have to create the items, but it can be worth a few hundred dollars or more.
- Personal assistant
Some people are willing to pay money for a personal assistant.
You could be asked to do many things, such as grocery shopping, random errands or organizing someone’s house.
Many people of all ages are looking for a personal assistant who can help them with their daily tasks. Some of the work may be random but it can be an easy way to earn some extra cash.
- Baking
Who doesn’t enjoy some sweet and delicious treats every now and then? You can make money by selling your baked goods if you are a talented baker.
There is money to be earned under the table, whether it is selling directly to people, holding bake sales or advertising to get people to come and visit you. It is possible to make this a full-time job, but it may not be for everyone.
If you’re a creative genius, making specialty cakes or cookies could be a lucrative business. Who doesn’t like a themed cake?
- Drive People
You can make money without Uber or Lyft even if you have these apps.
You can find cash-paying people on Craigslist by searching “Ride Share” in your local Craigslist.
There are people who need a personal driver, someone to run errands quickly, or a lift to varying locations. They also advertise their service. Be cautious and make sure you do your research before picking people up at random.
You can mention it to your family or friends, or in networking. You can do whatever you like if you’re looking to earn some extra cash.
Are you looking for more? Consider joining FlexJobs if you’re looking for more work-at-home and freelance jobs. There are no ads or scams here, only legitimate paying gigs. Sign up and learn more here.
How to find Under the Table Jobs
How do you locate these under-the-table jobs and the best job listings now that you are aware of their existence?
You can search online for gigs, but to find other opportunities you may need to be proactive.
Craigslist
Craigslist is a great place to look for jobs under the table. Craigslist has existed for many years, and you can still find people who are willing to do random jobs for money.
You should allow the website to locate your location when you visit it. If you do not, you can select the closest area to where you live.
Scroll down to “Gigs” to see if you can find any cash jobs.
Craigslist Gigs
There are a variety of options and categories. Always proceed with caution because Craigslist can also be a place for scams.
There are many options that offer cash payments.
Facebook
Facebook is a great resource for finding jobs.
You can find odd jobs posted by people in Facebook Marketplace or local groups.
If you’re looking for groups in your area, ensure that they are active and have people posting every week. You can join a few different groups and possibly find work.
Posting Facebook statuses to your friends and family network is another option.
You might be surprised at how many people are willing to pay you for certain tasks if you just have some skills.
You may be more comfortable doing the job if you know these people.
Nextdoor
There are many ways to quickly find jobs under the table thanks to technology. Nextdoor, a popular social network that is growing rapidly, is an excellent option.
Nextdoor
This social network is free and keeps you up to date on what’s happening in your area. This includes sharing safety tips, finding a babysitter at the last minute, planning an event in your neighborhood, or arranging lawn care.
The social network has many uses, including finding local jobs. Sign up here to access the website for free.
Personal Capital helps you keep track of your cash flow, expenses, and networth. It is easy to use, and free. Here you can start tracking your finances.
Ask Friends and Family
Asking your family and friends is a simple way to spread the word! They may have work that needs to be done, and they are more likely to trust someone who they know.
They may also have networks of other people interested in helping them.
Never hesitate to ask your friends or family for their opinions.
The above websites are great places for you to start. There are many more.
Your clientele will increase as you do good work and find more cash jobs.
